New Years Eve night buses confirmed for Torbay and South Devon as police urge drivers to stay sober

Police across Devon are urging drivers to stay sober or use public transport over the New Year period, following a series of drink and drug driving checks carried out in the run-up to Christmas.

Devon & Cornwall Police carried out an operation on Friday 19 December in several areas including Torbay, Exeter, North Devon and Dartmoor. 

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Officers stopped 87 vehicles during the evening, carrying out 24 roadside breath tests. All tests were negative for alcohol.

One vehicle was seized for having no road tax, while four drivers were arrested on suspicion of drug driving. 

Two of those arrested were also found to be in possession of an offensive weapon, and one was wanted by police in another area.

Inspector Wes Watkins said police were pleased with the overall level of compliance but warned that drug driving remains a concern.

“Officers worked alongside neighbourhood teams, the Special Constabulary and roads policing units to speak to a large number of drivers,” he said. “We are grateful that most motorists were driving responsibly, but drug driving continues to pose a serious risk.

“Driving while impaired can have devastating consequences, not only for the driver but for other road users. We want people to plan ahead and choose safer options.”

The checks were part of Operation Limit, Devon & Cornwall Police’s seasonal drink and drug driving campaign. 

Devon and Cornwall are also part of Vision Zero South West, which aims to reduce serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads.

As part of efforts to support safer travel, police are encouraging people to use late-night public transport where available. 

Night bus services are running across several areas, including:

Torbay:

• Torquay to Brixham, via Paignton
• St Marychurch to Paignton, via Torquay

Exeter:

• Exeter to Cullompton, via Broadclyst
• Exeter to Dawlish, via Exminster
• Exeter to Crediton, via Newton St Cyres
• Exeter to Exmouth, via Topsham

North Devon:

• Barnstaple to Bideford, via Fremington
• Barnstaple to Ilfracombe, via Braunton

Dartmoor area:

• Plymouth to Tavistock, via Plympton
• Plymouth to Saltash, via Milehouse

The night buses operate on Saturday nights and into the early hours of Sunday morning, including on New Year’s Eve. 

Services are due to restart again from 10 January 2026.

Police are also supporting the “Lift Legend” scheme, which encourages designated drivers by offering free soft drinks at participating venues across Devon and Cornwall.

Officers say enforcement activity will continue into the New Year, with a focus on reducing drink and drug driving and improving road safety for everyone.